Hi Faith Family,
Praying you are well and happy today.
Have you been in a tough spot recently? Maybe you are dealing with a major difficulty right now. Sometimes it can feel like you are in the middle of an ever-widening desert where any moisture of hope is evaporating quickly.
Maybe you have relationship problems. Perhaps it’s money issues. Could be health problems. Huge life decision on the horizon, perhaps. Maybe you are dealing with the fall-out of a big mistake. Whatever your desert, the situation can seem hopeless.
But God brings life to lifeless places, and creates an oasis in deserts of every sort. Take a moment to refresh your spirit in the words of the prophet Isaiah, chapter 35:
1 The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus,
2 it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.
3 Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way;
4 say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you."
5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
6 Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.
7 The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.
8 And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it.
9 No lion will be there, nor will any ferocious beast get up on it; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there,
10 and the ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
I pray the Lord brings you hope and assurance of his presence through whatever deserts through which you must travel. God bless you with abundant oases for your spiritual refreshment at just the right time.
God bless you now and always.
Prayer ideas: Pray for someone you know who is going through a difficult time right now. Pray for spiritual benefit as you work through your challenges with God’s strength and direction.
Blessings on your week!
Pastor Dan